The Unwieldies, Big Like Texas at the Huntridge Tavern, Saturday September 3, 2022

 

The Huntridge Tavern is always a fun, casual, intimate place to see - or play - a show so whenever friends are playing here, I make it a point to come out.  Of course, the Unwieldies are good pals and a terrific group, and while it's literally been years since the last time I saw Big Like Texas, I wanted to check them out again, so off we went!

Obviously, I've ranted'n'raved endlessly about the Unwieldies and their brand of alt-country/folk/songs of longing, love and loss, and tonight their were in top form with a great sound. Dani and Rob's vocals cut through with the proper amount of sweetness'n'gruff (respectively) as they ran through a reasonably long set of tunes from their excellent albums, covers from the likes of Leonard Cohen, Roxy Music and even Michael Jackson (of all people) along with a sprinkle of fine new originals. Always personable, fun'n'funny, at times sarcastic, other times touching, all times entertaining. On top of D'n'R's guitar and bass, there's terrific aural shading from Richard's dobro, Erik'c banjo and long-time mainstay Jack's violin ("don't call it a fiddle!"). Great time was had by all!

Big Like Texas is one of those bands that doesn't like to put any info on their Facebook page so I can't tell you who anyone is or anything like that nor do they give their own interpretation of their sound, and to top it off, this eve they were all acoustic, so a little different than an average set. I would also call them kinda/sorta alt-country/folk with maybe a hint of bluegrass (they do play a mandolin now'n'again) but with their own twist to it all, of course. With three guitars, a stand-up bass and a stripped down drum kit (and occasional washboard), they ran through a set of mostly originals although a couple of stand out covers were the Stones' "Dead Flowers" and John Prines' "Blow Up Your TV" (making me think of my recently deceased sister, as we used to sing this all the time, back in the day). and all highlighted by fine singing by all and lots of harmonies We both truly enjoyed the set and hope that we can see them/play with them again real soon.

Thanks to the bands, the Huntridge, Emilie and Buck and everyone who came out to support fine, live music at this hip, happenin' waterin' hole.